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Amylase release from streptolysin O permeabilized fetal pancreatic acini

D J Cher1, P J Padfield, J D Jamieson

  • 1Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06510.

Insights

Calcium-dependent amylase release from rat pancreatic acini is suppressed at birth but reappears neonatally. This developmental regulation involves sensitivity to modulators like guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (GTPγS) and adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP).

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Cell Biology
  • Developmental Biology

Background:

  • Pancreatic acinar cells secrete digestive enzymes, primarily amylase.
  • Protein secretion is regulated by intracellular calcium (Ca2+) levels.
  • Developmental changes in pancreatic function are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the developmental regulation of Ca2+-dependent protein discharge in rat pancreatic acini.
  • To explore the role of specific signaling molecules in fetal and neonatal pancreatic secretion.

Main Methods:

  • Permeabilization of fetal and neonatal rat pancreatic acini using streptolysin O.
  • Incubation in a controlled buffer system to measure Ca2+-dependent amylase release.
  • Assessment of the effects of ATP depletion, guanosine 5 -O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (GTPγS), 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA), and adenosine 3 -cyclic monophosphate (cAMP).

Main Results:

  • Ca2+-dependent amylase release was observed in day 19-20 fetal acini but not in term (day 21) fetal acini.
  • Amylase release resumed in day 1, 2, and 6 neonatal pancreases.
  • ATP depletion inhibited Ca2+-stimulated release in fetal and adult acini.
  • GTPγS and TPA enhanced Ca2+-dependent release in day 20 fetal acini.
  • Adult acini showed Ca2+-independent GTPγS-stimulated release, unlike fetal acini.
  • cAMP had minimal effect on fetal acini release compared to adult acini.

Conclusions:

  • The fetal pancreas is capable of Ca2+-dependent protein secretion, which is suppressed around birth.
  • Neonatal pancreatic acini regain Ca2+-dependent secretory function.
  • Fetal pancreatic acinar cells are sensitive to exocytosis modulators but exhibit different responses compared to adult cells.

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